Christchurch Mosque attacks - Responses by faith and inter faith bodies
A number of faith and inter faith organisations have issued statements or organised vigils in response to the terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on 15 March
This page lists responses by IFN member faith and inter faith groups, as well as information about vigils.
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The Inter Faith Network for the UK
Uk/ national faith community bodies
UK/ national and regional inter faith bodies
Educational/ academic bodies
Local inter faith bodies
Bodies which have shared statements within their networks
The Inter Faith Network for the UK
Terrorist attack on #mosques in #Christchurch NZ - Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the @IFNetUK Faith Communities Forum - Plz RT #WeStandTogether https://t.co/GdcTfd3RVa pic.twitter.com/S1G3AumOti
— Inter Faith Network (@IFNetUK) March 15, 2019
The statement from the Inter Faith Network for the UK's Co-Chairs and the IFN Faith Communities Forum Moderators can also be found here.
UK/ national faith community bodies
The MCB has released this statement following the horrific, cowardly and Islamophobic terrorist attacks at two mosques in New Zealand today.
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) March 15, 2019
Link to full statement: https://t.co/fONTxqSFkS pic.twitter.com/SiX7VcUo2p
The British Muslim Forum condemns attack in New Zealand and calls for leadership to counter Islamophobia and anti-immigrant hate. Read statement: https://t.co/GhskuCOmiq#Christchurch #NZMosqueShooting #NewZealandTerroristAttack #NewZealandShooting pic.twitter.com/b6QKRu0IFU
— British Muslim Forum (@BritishMuslimF) March 15, 2019
The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board has issued a statement
The Islamic Cultural Centre has issued a statement and the linked London Central Mosque hosted a solidarity event
Prayers and Condolences for Victims of Shooting Attack, Christchurch, New Zealand https://t.co/E6U3m3DAij pic.twitter.com/5PEkpGTUgP
— BAPS (@BAPS) March 16, 2019
Our absolute and resolute solidarity to Muslims around the world. pic.twitter.com/XYJTMoWuSt
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) March 15, 2019
Shocked by the violent attack against Muslims in New Zealand. We stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and neighbours. Hatred must not divide us@MuslimCouncil @FaithMattersUK
— CTBI (@CTBI) March 15, 2019
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have also collected together other responses from Churches and Christian Leaders on their website (Statements made by churches in IFN membership are also included on this page)
Churches Together in England has issued a statement.
New Zealand Atrocity https://t.co/uCaWF4Ps4T
— The Druid Network (@TheDruidNetwork) March 16, 2019
Devastating news from Christchurch New Zealand. Our thoughts and prayers are with victims and their families in this difficult time
— HinduCouncilUK (@hindu_counciluk) March 15, 2019
Hindu Forum Britain condemn this cowardice act at #Christchurch. We offers prayers to all those who have been devastated by this extreme and barbaric act, those who lost their lives, those who were injured, all those who have suffered as a consequence and to all New Zealanders.????
— Hindu Forum Britain (@hfbritain) March 15, 2019
Our thoughts are with the Muslim community and those who’ve lost loved ones in the terrorist atrocity against innocent worshippers in New Zealand #NewZealandMosqueShooting
— Network of Sikh Orgs (@SikhMessenger) March 15, 2019
Quakers in London are gathering outside @elondonmosque at 13:15 today, alongside the Bishop of London, various faith leaders and many others.
— Quakers in Britain (@BritishQuakers) March 15, 2019
"To stand together against this evil and provide an important message that we won’t be divided" https://t.co/4LHr3LDwk8
Our thoughts and prayers today go to everyone affected by the acts of terror in #NewZealand. May the healing presence of God be felt there, and wherever it is needed #Healing #Love #Prayers #God pic.twitter.com/zeJlCP2aqj
— SNU Spiritualism (@SpiritualistSNU) March 15, 2019
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this horrific act. #Christchurch https://t.co/ftFF2PaMzo
— UnitedReformedChurch (@urcmedia) March 15, 2019
UK/ national and regional inter faith bodies
#Christchurch #NewZealandShooting #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/t0VwDSYjBs
— Christian Muslim Forum (@ChrisMusForum) March 15, 2019
CCJ has released a statement on the horrific shooting at Christchurch mosques pic.twitter.com/BkFUQDzXBo
— CCJ (@CCJUK) March 15, 2019
We must stand together against violence and keep challenging Islamophobia and other forms of hatred wherever they appear. We encourage everyone to work together for a more united and peaceful world. 2/2
— The Faith & Belief Forum (@faithbelieforum) March 15, 2019
Signatories of the Faith and Belief Forum's Charter for Faith and Belief Inclusion also issued a statement:
30+ signatories of our Charter for Faith & Belief Inclusion, from organisations representing a wide range of faiths, beliefs, cultures and sectors, have issued this statement following the events in Christchurch.https://t.co/mCfvAjyU7a
— The Faith & Belief Forum (@faithbelieforum) March 28, 2019
We are outside New Zealand House for a vigil with the #TurnToLove Team to pay our respects to the victims of the horrific #ChristchurchMosqueAttack
— Faiths Forum (@LondonFaiths) March 15, 2019
Join us till 6pm. pic.twitter.com/inJCFg0j8T
Mae cymunedau rhyng-ffydd Cymru yn cydymdeimlo’n ddwys iawn a chymuned Mwslimaidd Christchurch Seland Newydd / Wales’ interfaith community extends its deepest sympathy to the Muslim community in Christchurch New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/kKwUXbgtD8
— InterfaithCymru (@CymruInterfaith) March 15, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers with the people of Christchurch, New Zealand
— St Philip's Centre (@SPCLeicester) March 15, 2019
#WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/aZGh6WeyNl
— WIN (@Win_Interfaith) March 15, 2019
A message of solidarity from Religions for Peace on the #NewZealandShooting in #Christchurch. @petercarrell @nzlistener @abpdavies @NZMuslimYouth @Liturgy pic.twitter.com/xFWiCmGkKF
— Religions for Peace (@religions4peace) March 15, 2019
AFN statement and support of people involved with the New Zealand mosque attack. https://t.co/X2geFDFRBY Respect also to NZ PM response.
— All Faiths Network (@FaithsNetwork) March 18, 2019
Holding the citizens of Christchurch in our hearts and prayers. And standing in solidarity with Muslims everywhere. We are one human family and won't be divided. #CommunityAcrossDifferences#ProtectWhatIsSacred
— St Ethelburga's (@StEthelburgas) March 15, 2019
Educational/ Academic bodies
Our thoughts are with the victims of the horrific attack in New Zealand and their families. This deplorable act shows how crucial it is we come together to condemn violence, confront harmful extremism, and foster better understanding.
— Woolf Institute (@Woolf_Institute) March 15, 2019
Local inter faith organisations
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the attacks on Mosques in Christchurch, those who have tragically lost their lives or have been injured, their families and loved ones.
— WalthamForestFaiths (@WF_FaithForum) March 15, 2019
There will be a vigil at 7pm this evening in Walthamstow Town Square pic.twitter.com/EZZhz13K1O
Please note there has been a change of time and venue.
— FN4M (@FN4M) March 15, 2019
The Vigil will now be from 6.30-8pm at St Anne Square. https://t.co/DcRfna9RvE
We send a message to all members of the Muslim community, of our deepest sympathy at this very distressing time and share in their shock and grief for those who have been brutally murdered and injured in this #Christchurch massacre and their grieving families.
— Barnet Multi-Faith (@BMFForum) March 15, 2019
An attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths and communities. Those who try to divide us and who aim to spread fear, hatred and division will not succeed. Please join us for a vigil outside Finsbury Park Tube Station this evening @ 6.30pm to share thoughts and prayers for NZ https://t.co/Ydqf0GW74y
— IslingtonFaithsForum (@IFForum1) March 15, 2019
Our hearts go out to all our Muslim brothers and sisters following this morning's terrible news about the attack on mosques in New Zealand. We stand with Muslims across the world and share their deep shock and distress. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Bristol Multi Faith (@BristolMultiFai) March 15, 2019
Leeds Faiths Forum sends its condolences, love and solidarity to New Zealand.
— leedsfaithsforum (@leedsfaithforum) March 15, 2019
We stand together with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the wake of the horrific attacks on worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch.
Love, not hate. Togetherness, not division.
Waking up to this horrendous news from New Zealand-Terrorist attack stealing the lives of worshippers #WeStandTogether with the people of New Zealand & our Muslim friends in Rochdale @RochdaleCoM @SaferRochdale
— Multi-Faith Rochdale (@mfp_rochdale) March 15, 2019
We stand with our #muslim friends at this time and beyond this terrible moment #NewZealandMosqueShooting @MuslimCouncil https://t.co/PWmytCfMf8
— Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum (@THInterFaith) March 15, 2019
Preston Faith Forum is hosting a vigil on Monday.
Please join us in standing together in the face of the New Zealand terror attacks. Luton Town Hall. Monday 18th March. 2pm. https://t.co/43vRQLH9I2
— Luton Faiths (@LutonFaiths) March 17, 2019
To mark our respect and remembrance following the recent terrorist attack in New Zealand, and other terrorist attacks around the world in recent times, we will be holding a period of silence and reflection at our A.G.M on 27th March. #swindon #interfaith #remembrance #love
— Swindon Interfaith (@SwinInterfaith) March 17, 2019
Calderdale Interfaith Council signed a 'pledge for hope' with a range of other local organisations
Bodies which have shared statements within their networks
The statements above are those which have been shared online by the bodies making them. A number of other IFN member bodies have also made statements or expressed solidarity by contacting those within their own networks. Where bodies have sent copies of their statements or messages to IFN, they are listed below. Please contact them via our member lists if you wish to see their statements.
- Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK)
- Birmingham Faith Leaders' Group
- Wellingborough Interfaith Group
- Interfaith Forum for Leicestershire
- Newcastle Council of Faiths
- Medway Inter-faith Action
- London Interfaith Centre
- Interfaith Wolverhampton held a vigil
- South East England Faiths Forum
- Redbridge Faith Forum
- Wisbech Interfaith Forum
- Loughborough Council of Faiths
Note
This list is not exhaustive. As noted above, it only lists statements and responses from IFN member bodies. Many other organisations and community leaders have also made statements and expressed solidarity. Many member bodies also shared details of statements, vigils and other activities organised by other organisations. This list will be updated on a rolling basis until 6pm on Friday 15 March, then updated again on Monday 18 March.
